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Abstract:

An air conditioner includes a compressor, a condenser, an expansion
device, and an evaporator. The air conditioner further includes an
electric unit including electric components to operate the air
conditioner. A cooling module is disposed at least on a side of the
electric unit to dissipate heat generated from the electric unit, and at
least a portion of the refrigerant tube supply refrigerant discharged
from the evaporator to the cooling module. The refrigerant supplied to
the cooling module exchanges heat with the electric unit and then flows
to the compressor.

Claims:

1. An air conditioner comprising: a compressor; a condenser; an expansion
device; and an evaporator; the air conditioner further comprising; an
electric unit including electric components to operate the air
conditioner; a cooling module disposed at least on a side of the electric
unit to dissipate heat generated from the electric unit; and at least a
portion of a refrigerant tube to supply refrigerant discharged from the
evaporator to the cooling module, wherein the refrigerant supplied to the
cooling module exchanges heat with the electric unit and then flows to
the compressor.

2. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant tube
comprises: a main tube connected to an outlet side of the evaporator; and
a branch tube branching off from the main tube to the cooling module.

3. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a flow
controller to control an amount of the refrigerant flowing in the main
tube into the branch tube.

4. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the electric
components comprises at least one heating component that generates heat
during operation, and the at least one heating component is placed at the
electric unit such that the cooling module is capable of making contact
with the at least one heating component.

5. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the cooling module
comprises: a module body making contact with the at least one heating
component; and at least one passage in the module body to allow the
refrigerant to flow therethrough.

6. The air conditioner according to claim 5, wherein the at least one
passage comprises: an inlet passage through which the refrigerant flows
into the module body; an outlet passage through which the refrigerant is
discharged from the module body; and a plurality of branch passages
through which the refrigerant flows from the inlet passage to the outlet
passage.

7. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the at least one
heating component is disposed between a bottom side of the electric unit
and a top side of the cooling module.

8. The air conditioner according to claim 4, wherein the electric unit is
divided into at least two sub-portions, and the at least one heating
component is disposed on at least one of the sub-portions, and the
electric unit further comprises a connection member connecting at least
two of the sub-portions.

9. The air conditioner according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant tube
is disposed in the cooling module.

10. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the cooling module
includes at least one groove and the cooling module is inserted into the
groove.

11. The air conditioner according to claim 9, wherein the refrigerant
tube is bent at least one time to form a U shape.

12. The air conditioner according to claim 2, further comprising a joint
part where the branch tube coupled to an output side of the cooling
module couples back to the main tube.

13. An air conditioner comprising: a compressor; a condenser; an
expansion device; and an evaporator; the air conditioner further
comprising; an electric unit including electric components to operate the
air conditioner; a cooling module disposed on a side of the electric unit
to dissipate heat generated from the electric unit; and at least a
portion of a refrigerant tube to supply refrigerant discharged from the
condenser to the cooling module, wherein the refrigerant supplied to the
cooling module exchanges heat with the electric unit and then flows to
the evaporator.

14. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the refrigerant
tube comprises: a main tube connected to an outlet side of the condenser;
and a branch tube branching off from the main tube to the cooling module.

15. The air conditioner according to claim 14, further comprising a flow
controller to control an amount of the refrigerant flowing in the main
tube into the branch tube.

16. The air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the expansion
valve is coupled to the main tube and the branch tube couples the cooling
module in parallel with the expansion valve.

17. The air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the outlet of the
cooling module is coupled to the expansion valve.

18. The air conditioner according to claim 15, wherein the outlet of the
cooling module is coupled to a different expansion valve.

19. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the electric
components comprises at least one heating component that generates heat
during operation, and the at least one heating component is placed at the
electric unit such that the cooling module is capable of making contact
with the at least one heating component.

20. The air conditioner according to claim 13, wherein the cooling module
comprises: a module body making contact with the at least one heating
component; and at least one passage in the module body to allow the
refrigerant to flow therethrough.

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an air conditioner, and in
particular with an air conditioner with a cooling module.

[0003] Air conditioners are used to maintain indoor air at predetermined
states according to desired purposes and preferences. For example, air
conditioners are used to keep indoor air cool in summer and warm in
winter. In addition, air conditioners are used to adjust the humidity of
indoor air for providing pleasant and clean environments. In the
refrigeration cycle of an air conditioner, refrigerant may be compressed,
condensed, expanded, and evaporated for operation in cooling or heating
mode.

[0004] Air conditioners can be classified into split air conditioners in
which indoor and outdoor units are separated; and one-boy air
conditioners in which indoor and outdoor units are integrated. An outdoor
unit includes an outdoor heat exchanger for heat exchanging with outdoor
air, and an indoor unit includes an indoor heat exchanger for heat
exchanging with indoor air.

[0005] When an air conditioner operates in cooling mode, an outdoor heat
exchanger functions as a condenser, and an indoor heat exchanger
functions as an evaporator. When an air conditioner operates in heating
mode, an indoor heat exchanger functions as a condenser, and an outdoor
heat exchanger functions as an evaporator.

[0006] An electric unit is disposed in an indoor unit of an air
conditioner for operating the air conditioner. Such an electric unit
includes a plurality of control components.

[0007] While an air conditioner operates, the electric unit of the air
conditioner may generate a lot of heat. The temperature of the electric
unit may increase to about 70° C. to 80° C.

[0008] If the electric unit of an air conditioner is not sufficiently
cooled, control components of the electric unit may operate abnormally.
Then, the air conditioner may improperly operate. For example, exchange
operations of the air conditioner may be insufficiently carried out, or
the air conditioner may be out of order.

[0009] Therefore, in an air conditioner of the related art, a substrate
having high thermal conductivity is disposed at a side of an electric
unit for cooling the electric unit by heat exchanging with outdoor air
(heat sink structure).

[0010] However, such a heat sink structure is not effective in hot areas
(for example, in areas where the outdoor temperature reaches about
50° C.).

SUMMARY

[0011] Embodiments provide an air conditioner in which an electric unit
can be efficiently cooled.

[0012] In one embodiment, there is provided an air conditioner comprising
a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and an evaporator, the
air conditioner further comprising an electric unit including electric
components to operate the air conditioner; a cooling module disposed at
least on a side of the electric unit to dissipate heat generated from the
electric unit; and at least a portion of a refrigerant tube supply
refrigerant discharged from the evaporator to the cooling module, wherein
the refrigerant supplied to the cooling module exchanges heat with the
electric unit and then flows to the compressor.

[0013] In another embodiment, there is provided an air conditioner
configured comprising a compressor, a condenser, an expansion device, and
an evaporator, the air conditioner further comprising an electric unit
including electric components to operate the air conditioner; and a
cooling module disposed on a side of the electric unit to dissipate heat
generated from the electric unit; and at least a portion of a refrigerant
tube to supply refrigerant discharged from the condenser to the cooling
module, wherein the refrigerant supplied to the cooling module exchanges
heat with the electric unit and then flows to the evaporator.

[0014] The details of one or more embodiments are set forth in the
accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features will be
apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 is a view illustrating an air conditioner according to a
first embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating an inner structure of an
outdoor unit according to the first embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the air conditioner
according to the first embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly of an
electric unit and a cooling module according to the first embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling module
according to the first embodiment.

[0020] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken along line II-II' of FIG. 5.

[0021] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along line I-I' of FIG. 4.

[0022] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating an assembly of an electric
unit and a cooling module according to a second embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling module
according to a third embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a refrigerant cycle
according to a fourth embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Hereinafter, embodiments will now be described with reference to
the accompanying drawings. However, the spirit and scope set forth in the
present disclosure are not limited to the embodiments. Those of ordinary
skill in the art will easily propose other embodiments within the spirit
and scope.

[0026] FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating an air conditioner
according to a first embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a perspective view
illustrating an inner structure of an outdoor unit 10 according to the
first embodiment.

[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the air conditioner 1 of the first
embodiment includes the outdoor unit 10 configured to exchange heat with
outdoor air, an indoor unit 20 disposed in an indoor area to exchange
heat with indoor air, and a pipe 30 connecting the outdoor unit 10 and
the indoor unit 20.

[0028] The outdoor unit 10 includes a case 100 that forms the exterior of
the outdoor unit 10 and accommodates a plurality of components. The case
100 includes an intake grill (not shown) and a discharge grill 105.
Indoor air is sucked into the case 100 through the intake grill, and
after heat exchange, the air is discharged through the discharge grill
105. The discharge grill 105 may be provided in plurality. In this case,
the discharge grills 105 may be vertically arranged.

[0029] The case 100 accommodates a compressor 110 configured to compress
refrigerant, a gas-liquid separator 115 configured to separate a liquid
portion from the refrigerant before the refrigerant is introduced into
the compressor 110, an outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122), and a blower
fan 130 configured to blow outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger
(121, 122).

[0030] The case 100 includes a blower chamber 101 in which the outdoor
heat exchanger (121, 122) is disposed; and a machinery chamber 102 in
which the compressor 110 and the gas-liquid separator 115 are disposed.
The blower chamber 101 and the machinery chamber 102 may be divided by a
barrier 103.

[0031] The heat exchanger (121, 122) includes a refrigerant tube 121 and
heat-exchange fins 122. The refrigerant flows through the refrigerant
tube 121, and the heat-exchange fins 122 facilitate heat exchange between
the refrigerant and outdoor air. The refrigerant tube 121 may be disposed
through the heat-exchange fins 122. The outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122)
may extend in the length direction of the case 100 from an upper side to
a lower side of the case 100. In addition, the outdoor heat exchanger
(121, 122) may be bent in a reverse L shape from a rear surface to
lateral surfaces of the case 100.

[0032] The blower fan 130 may be disposed at a rear side of the discharge
grill 105. The blower fan 130 may be provided in plurality. In this case,
the blower fans 130 may be disposed at upper and lower portions of the
case 100. The number of the blower fans 130 and the number of the
discharge grills 105 are not limited. For example, one blower fan 130 and
one discharge grill 105 may be provided according to the lengths or
arrangement of the outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122).

[0033] An electric unit 200 including a plurality of control components is
disposed in the machinery chamber 102. For example, the electric unit 200
may be disposed at an upper side of the compressor 110.

[0034] FIG. 3 is a schematic view illustrating the air conditioner 1 of
the first embodiment.

[0035] Referring to FIG. 3, the air conditioner 1 of the first embodiment
includes the compressor 110 configured to compress the refrigerant; and a
four-way valve 113 configured to guide the refrigerant from the
compressor 110 to the outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122) or to an indoor
heat exchanger (151, 152).

[0036] If the air conditioner 1 is operating in cooling mode, the outdoor
heat exchanger (121, 122) functions as a condenser. In this case, the
refrigerant discharged from the compressor 110 is introduced into the
outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122) through the four-way valve 113. If the
air conditioner 1 is operating in heating mode, the indoor heat exchanger
(151, 152) functions as a condenser. In this case, the refrigerant
discharged from the compressor 110 is introduced into the indoor heat
exchanger (151, 152) through the four-way valve 113.

[0037] An explanation will now be given on an exemplary case where the air
conditioner 1 is operating in cooling mode. FIG. 3 shows flows of the
refrigerant in cooling mode.

[0038] The outdoor unit 10 includes the blower fan 130 configured to blow
outdoor air to the outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122); and a fan motor 132
configured to drive the blower fan 130. In addition, the outdoor unit 10
includes an expansion device 140 in which the refrigerant is decompressed
after passing through the outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122).

[0039] The indoor unit 20 includes the indoor heat exchanger (151, 152).
After passing through the expansion device 140, the refrigerant is
introduced into the indoor heat exchanger (151, 152) and is evaporated in
the indoor heat exchanger (151, 152). The indoor heat exchanger (151,
152) includes a refrigerant tube 151 and heat-exchange fins 152. The
refrigerant flows in the refrigerant tube 151, and the heat-exchange fins
152 facilitate heat exchange between the refrigerant and indoor air. An
indoor blower fan 160 and a fan motor 162 are disposed at a side of the
indoor heat exchanger (151, 152).

[0040] A refrigerant tube 50 and a branch tube 32 branching off from the
refrigerant tube 50 are disposed between an outlet side of the indoor
heat exchanger (151, 152) and an inlet side of the compressor 110. The
refrigerant tube 50 may be referred to as a main tube, and the branch
tube 32 may be referred to as a branch tube or pipe.

[0041] A flow controller 170 is provided on the refrigerant tube 50 at a
position from which the branch tube 32 branches off, so as to control the
flow rate of the refrigerant flowing to the branch tube 32. The flow
controller 170 includes a valve device. At least a portion of the
refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube 50 may be guided to the
branch tube 32 by adjusting the opening degree of the flow controller
170.

[0042] The electric unit 200 is disposed at a side of the branch tube 32.
The refrigerant flowing through branch tube 32 may exchange heat with the
electric unit 200. For example, the temperature of the refrigerant
flowing in the branch tube 32 may be about 10° C. because the
refrigerant has passed through the indoor heat exchanger (151, 152), and
the temperature of the electric unit 200 may be about 70° C. to
80° C. Thus, owing to the temperature difference between the
refrigerant and the electric unit 200, the electric unit 200 may be
cooled. That is, heat may be dissipated from the electric unit 200.

[0043] After exchanging heat with the electric unit 200, the refrigerant
flowing in the branch tube 32 is mixed with the refrigerant flowing in
the refrigerant tube 50 at a joint part 55. Then, the refrigerant flows
to the compressor 110 through the four-way valve 113.

[0044] In this way, since the refrigerant flows from the indoor heat
exchanger (evaporator) (151, 152) to the compressor 110 through the
electric unit 200, heat can be dissipated from the electric unit 200.
Therefore, the electric unit 200 can be kept at a predetermined
temperature for stable operation.

[0045] On the other hand, if the air conditioner 1 is operated in heating
mode, the electric unit 200 may be disposed between an inlet side of the
compressor 110 and an outlet side of the outdoor heat exchanger (121,
122) functioning as an evaporator. If the air conditioner 1 is operated
in normal heating mode, since the temperature of outdoor air may be low,
the electric unit 200 may be naturally cooled by the outdoor air.
Therefore, the electric unit 200 may be less cooled by the refrigerant in
heating mode as compared with in cooling mode.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 3 again, although the flow controller 170,
electric unit 200, branch tube 32, and joint part 55 are shown to be in
the outdoor unit 10, these parts can be installed in the indoor unit 20
in an alternative embodiment. Thus, the above-mentioned parts may be
installed in an outdoor unit 10 or in an indoor unit 20 or in both the
outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 as the need arises.

[0047] FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating an assembly of the
electric unit 200 and a cooling module 250 according to the first
embodiment; FIG. 5 is a perspective view illustrating the cooling module
250 according to the first embodiment; FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken
along line II-II' of FIG. 5; and FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken along
line I-I' of FIG. 4.

[0048] Referring to FIGS. 4 to 7, the electric unit 200 of the first
embodiment includes an electric board 210 and a plurality of electric
components 220 disposed on the electric board 210. The electric board 210
may be a main body of the electric unit 200. The electric components 220
include a first heating component 261 and a second heating component 262.

[0049] The cooling module 250 is disposed at a side of the electric unit
200 to cool the electric unit 200. The first heating component 261 and
the second heating component 262 may be disposed on the bottom side of
the electric board 210 facing the topside of the cooling module 250. In
other words, the first heating component 261 and the second heating
component 262 may be disposed between the electric board 210 and the
cooling module 250.

[0050] The first and second heating components 261 and 262 are parts that
generate heat more than other electric components 220. For example, parts
generating heat equal to or more than a reference amount may be the first
and second heating components 261 and 262. Examples of the first and
second heating components 261 and 262 may include a micro computer, an
inverter, a converter, an electrically erasable programmable read only
memory (EEPROM), a rectification diode, and a condenser.

[0051] The first and second heating components 261 and 262 may make
contact with a side of the cooling module 250. A heat transfer member
having a high thermal conductivity may be disposed between the cooling
module 250 and the first and second heating components 261 and 262. The
number of the first and second heating components 261 and 262 is not
limited. For example, the number of the first and second heating
components 261 and 262 may be one, three, or more.

[0052] The cooling module 250 includes a module main body 251; a module
inlet part 252 disposed on a side of the module main body 251 to
introduce the refrigerant; and a module outlet part 253 disposed on the
other side of the module main body 251 to discharge the refrigerant. The
module inlet part 252 or the module outlet part 253 may be a part of a
refrigerant tube for introducing the refrigerant into the cooling module
250 or discharging the refrigerant from the cooling module 250.

[0053] Refrigerant passages 255, 256, and 258 are formed in the module
main body 251 so that the refrigerant introduced through the module inlet
part 252 can flow in the module main body 251. The refrigerant passages
255, 256, and 258 may be refrigerant flow channels formed in the module
main body 251. After passing through an evaporator, the refrigerant may
be introduced into the module main body 251 through the module inlet part
252.

[0054] The refrigerant passages 255, 256, and 258 include an inlet passage
255 connected to the module inlet part 252; an outlet passage 256
connected to the module outlet part 253; and a branch passage 258
branching off from at least a position of the inlet passage 255 to the
outlet passage 256. The branch passage 258 may include a plurality of
flow passages. The refrigerant may flow from the inlet passage 255 to the
outlet passage 256 through the branch passage 258.

[0055] While flowing in the refrigerant passages 255, 256, and 258, the
refrigerant may exchange heat with the first and second heating
components 261 and 262. Thus, the first and second heating components 261
and 262 may be cooled. Thereafter, the refrigerant may be discharged
through the module outlet part 253 and flow to the compressor 110.

[0056] Hereinafter, second to fourth embodiments will be described. In the
following descriptions of the second to fourth embodiments, the same
elements as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same
reference numerals, and differences from those of the first embodiment
will be mainly explained.

[0057] FIG. 8 is a sectional view illustrating an assembly of an electric
unit and a cooling module according to a second embodiment.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 8, the electric unit 200 of the second embodiment
includes a first unit 201, a second unit 202, and a connection member 270
through which the first and second units 201 and 202 are electrically
connected.

[0059] The first unit 201 includes a first electric board 215 and a
plurality of electric components 220. The second unit 202 includes a
second electric board 216 and a heating component 260. One of the
electric components 220 that generates a relatively large amount of heat
may be separated from the first electric board 215 as the heating
component 260. One or more of the electric components 220 may be
separated from the first electric board 215 as the heating component(s)
260. Of course, the second electric board 216 may also include electric
components 220.

[0060] The connection member 270 may connect the heating component 260 to
the first electric board 215 or the electric components 220. The
connection member 270 may include an electric wire.

[0061] As described above, since the electric unit 200 is divided into the
first and second units 201 and 202 (two units), the electric unit 200 may
freely be disposed even in a small outdoor unit with satisfactory space
efficiency. In addition, since one or more of the electric components 220
of the electric unit 200 that generate heat more than the other electric
components 220 can be separately cooled, the electric unit 200 can be
cooled with improved heat exchange efficiency (cooling efficiency) as
compared with the case where all the electric components 220 are cooled.

[0062] FIG. 9 is a perspective view illustrating a cooling module 250
according to a third embodiment.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, the cooling module 250 of the third embodiment
includes a module main body 251, a refrigerant tube 50 disposed on a side
of the module main body 251, and first and second heating components 261
and 262 disposed on the other side of the module main body 251.
Refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube 50 may exchange heat with the
first and second heating components 261 and 262 through the module main
body 251.

[0064] The module main body 251 includes an insertion groove 251a for
inserting the refrigerant tube 50 therein. The refrigerant tube 50 may be
inserted in the insertion groove 251a formed in the bottom side of the
module main body 251, and the first and second heating components 261 and
262 may be disposed on the topside of the module main body 251.

[0065] The refrigerant tube 50 is inserted in the insertion groove 251a
and bent two or more times in a U shape. Since the refrigerant tube 50 is
bent two more times, the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube 50
can exchange heat with the first and second heating components 261 and
262 at a larger area.

[0066] In addition, since the refrigerant tube 50 can extend from a
refrigerant cycle component to the electric unit 200, the electric unit
200 can be cooled with a simply cooling structure (cooling device).

[0067] FIG. 10 is a schematic view illustrating a refrigerant cycle
according to a fourth embodiment.

[0068] Referring to FIG. 10, an outdoor unit 10 of the fourth embodiment
includes a flow controller 180. The flow controller 180 is used to
control a flow of refrigerant from outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122) to a
branch tube 32. In cooling mode, the outdoor heat exchanger (121, 122)
functions as a condenser.

[0069] The flow controller 180 may be disposed at the branch tube 32.
Although not shown, the flow controller 180 may be disposed at a position
where the branch tube 32 branches off from a refrigerant tube 50.

[0070] An electric unit 200 may be disposed at the branch tube 32. The
electric unit 200 and an expansion device 140 are arranged in parallel.
That is, the expansion device 140 may be disposed at the refrigerant tube
50, and the electric unit 200 may be disposed at the branch tube 32.

[0071] At least a portion of refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube
50 can be guided to the electric unit 200 through the branch tube 32 by
controlling the opening degree of the flow controller 180. The portion of
the refrigerant flowing in the branch tube 32 may be mixed with other
portion of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant tube 50 at a joint
part 55.

[0072] The other portion of the refrigerant flowing in the refrigerant
tube 50 is expanded at the expansion device 140 and is then mixed with
the portion of the refrigerant flowing in the branch tube 32 at the joint
part 55.

[0073] The refrigerant flowing in the branch tube 32 may be expanded at
the expansion device 140. Or as illustrated in FIG. 10, a branch-tube
expansion device 185 may be disposed at the branch tube 32. After
exchanging heat with the electric unit 200, the portion of the
refrigerant may be decompressed a low temperature while passing through
the branch-tube expansion device 185.

[0074] Unlike the structure shown in FIG. 10, the branch-tube expansion
device 185 may be disposed at an inlet side of the electric unit 200. In
this case, the refrigerant decompressed by the branch-tube expansion
device 185 may be used to cool the electric unit 200. Alternatively, the
portion of the refrigerant passing through the electric unit 200 through
the branch tube 32 may connect with the refrigerant tube 50 at the joint
part before the expansion device 140.

[0075] In the above-described structure, after passing through the outdoor
heat exchanger (condenser) (121, 122), the refrigerant may flow to the
electric unit 200 to exchange heat with the electric unit 200. For
example, the temperature of the refrigerant may be about 40° C.
after passing through the condenser (121, 122), and thus the electric
unit 200 having a temperature of about 70° C. to 80° C. may
be effectively cooled by the refrigerant.

[0076] Channels formed in a cooling module 250 for cooling the electric
unit 200, and a portion of the refrigerant tube 50 passing through the
cooling module 250 may be referred to as cooling passages because they
are used to cool the electric unit 200.

[0077] The refrigerant mixed at the joint part 55 flows to a compressor
110 through an indoor heat exchanger (151, 152). This cycle of the
refrigerant is repeated.

[0078] Referring to FIG. 10 again, although the flow controller 180,
electric unit 200, branch tube 32, the expansion device 140, the
branch-tube expansion device 185, and joint part 55 are shown to be in
the outdoor unit 10, these parts can be installed in the indoor unit 20
in an alternative embodiment. Thus, the above-mentioned parts may be
installed in an outdoor unit 10 or in an indoor unit 20 or in both the
outdoor unit 10 and the indoor unit 20 (the expansion device and/or
branch-tube expansion device 185 may be installed in one of the indoor
unit or outdoor unit) as the need arises.

[0079] In another embodiment, electric units such as the electric units
200 described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 10 may be used in one
refrigerant cycle system. That is, one of the electric units may be
disposed at an outlet side of an evaporator, and the other of the
electric units may be disposed at an outlet side of a condenser.

[0080] In this case, the electric unit or one of the electric units may be
cooled by a first flow of refrigerant from the evaporator, and the
electric unit or the other of the electric units may be cooled by a
second flow of the refrigerant from the condenser. Thus, the electric
units may be cooled more effectively.

[0081] As described above, according to the embodiments, the electric unit
can be cooled using refrigerant of a refrigeration cycle so as to prevent
errors of the control components of the electric unit and abnormal
behaviors of the air conditioner.

[0082] In addition, since low-temperature refrigerant is guided to the
electric unit before the low-temperature refrigerant is guided to the
compressor, heat exchange between the electric unit and the refrigerant
can be more efficient. Particularly, the electric unit can be effectively
cooled even when the air conditioner is used in a hot area.

[0083] In addition, since the electric unit can be cooled by extending the
coolant tube to the electric unit or forming refrigerant channels, a
cooling device (cooling module) having a simple structure can be provided
without using additional parts for cooling the electric unit.

[0084] Furthermore, a cooling device separable from the electric unit can
be provided. That is, the cooling device can be disposed even in a small
outdoor unit, and thus the inner space of the outdoor unit can be
efficiently used.

[0085] As described above, since the electric unit can be cooled using
refrigerant of a refrigeration cycle to prevent errors of the control
components of the electric unit and abnormal behaviors of the air
conditioner, the air conditioner can be used in various industrial
fields.

[0086] Although embodiments have been described with reference to a number
of illustrative embodiments thereof, it should be understood that
numerous other modifications and embodiments can be devised by those
skilled in the art that will fall within the spirit and scope of the
principles of this disclosure. More particularly, various variations and
modifications are possible in the component parts and/or arrangements of
the subject combination arrangement within the scope of the disclosure,
the drawings and the appended claims. In addition to variations and
modifications in the component parts and/or arrangements, alternative
uses will also be apparent to those skilled in the art.

Patent applications by Dongsoo Moon, Seoul KR

Patent applications by Geunho Jin, Seoul KR

Patent applications by Hyunjong Kim, Seoul KR

Patent applications by Yungkoo Lee, Seoul KR

Patent applications in class With electrical component cooling

Patent applications in all subclasses With electrical component cooling